eSSagE

Now that summer is near, lAssociation des
francophones de Nanaimo invites you to join in on the
summer fun. It is an especially exciting time in Nanaimo
this year as it celebrates its status as Cultural Capital
of Canada and participates in the BC150 festivities.

Join the party on Francophonie Day on
Tuesday, June 24, and see Maffeo Sutton Park come
alive with French Canadian culture. The event
runs from 4:00 to 11:00 pm. Revel in music and the
traditional St-Jean-Baptiste Day bonfire. The festivities
honour the French patron saint and celebrate the ancient
rites of the summer solstice, a time of light and hope.

And then, of course, there are the Canada Day
Celebrations! Join us again at Maffeo Sutton Park
on Tuesday, July 1, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Get
decked out in red and white and come celebrate Canada’s
141st birthday in the park with patriotic ceremonies,
multicultural arts, and entertainment. This grand
event begins with a parade of the Canadian flag and all
provincial and territorial flags, featuring the RCMP and
a variety of local cultural groups. There will also be fun
children’s activities and entertainment. Featured Canada
Day performers include our own Joélle Rabu and popular
children’s entertainer Rick Scott with Pied Pumpkin.

Unfortunately, we cannot present our popular

French Summer Camp for Kids this year. We hope to
present this fun and educational camp again in 2009.

Thank you.

Have a fabulous summer!

femme thpend

Société francophone de Maillardville
wins the Prix Boréal

Société francophone de Maillardville has receivec
the Prix Boréal 2008, an award given by the Fédération de:
communautés francophones et acadienne in recognition of it:
essential contribution to the development and vitality of the
francophone communities in British Colombia and acros:
Canada. Its dynamic and inclusive vision of French-speaking
communities, the centennial of the Maillardville community
in 2009 and the support of FCFA members also contributec
to the selection of Société francophone de Maillardville for the
Prix Boréal 2008.

“The board of directors, employees and members o:
the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique
(FFCB) are delighted that Société francophone de Maillardvillc
received this award” has declared M. Serge Corbeil, vice-
president of FFCB. “The Société francophone de Maillardville’:
candidature has generated a large mobilization from the FFCE
members and French-speaking citizens all over the province.’
he added.

Richard Soumis, Société francophone de Maillardville
president, has received the award at the Federation’s AGM
held in Québec city on June 13". “Société francophone dc
Maillardville has the mandate to keep the francophone village
memories alive while adapting to the actual urban context tc
assure the vitality of the community in the future. I proudly
receive this award in the name of the employees, volunteers anc
the community of Maillardville who are taking an active part ir
the growth of this community.”

The association takes a holiday!

The offices will be closed from July1st to
August 31st.

We wish our memebers and their family a
beautiful Summer!

Le bastion ETE 2008 13